e39 535 - buy or walk?

Hi, I'm about to take my first jump in bimmer ownership and would appreciate a little advice please!

I've seen an R (98) 535 at my local second hand dealership. It's £5k, has done 129k (I'm not scared of highish miles), full main dealer history and has all the toys, including sat nav. What's more she's a manual which is what I really want.

Only thing concerning me is that there's only 1 light before the next (inspection I) service and more importantly there's a bit of a tappety noise.

First off, how much do you guys tend to pay for inspection I services at an Indy?

Secondly, the tappety noise - it's a ticking noise, only audible outside the car - sounds almost like one click per revolution (if that makes sense), slow and steady at tickover and rises with revs.   Any ideas how much of an ache this could be wallet wise? I'm guesng it's a faulty hydraulic tappet.

In short, in my place would you buy or walk :-D

thanks in advance!

With the car having full history and extensive list of extras, I would bite the bullet, but the AA and the RAC charge about 100-120 pounds for a full inspection to satisfy any concerns you have. Good luck!

Paul

If the checks come out ok then it will be worth it - a lot of of car for 5K. I would have it if I had the money!!

Paul

523 iAN wrote: also i'd have thought you could find a lesser miles car for less money?

sorry, i take this back...... as i didn't read your first post proper, look's like a lot of car (E39-535) for the cash

good luck  

I doubt it as they're holding their value still - even on eBay they're still making quite a bit and you maybe more likely to pick up a bad'un. Good luck with the search

Paul

I thought the 3.5 V8 was one of the better engines as it didn't suffer the Nikasil issue. If it has full main dealer history then it would be more likely to be a decent car. Would get it checked out though to be on the safe side.

Anyway Drew - you have a 540i with a V8 lump in as well so isn't it a little bit like pot calling kettle black!!! (Only joking!) The car he looked at was a manual as well!!

Paul

There are a few 535's on Autotrader around the £5k mark with lower miles.

Also found this - an E34 540 Schnitzer with 6 speed box & all the kit for under £5500.



Tempting little diversion

If it's a 535i manual, it's an import as BMW GB never
officially imported one - just the 540i manual. 535i
Manuals are not listed in the E39 brochures from
BMW or listed by Glass's Guide or CAP.

If the tapping noise is a tappet (possible) it might be
an idea to get a BMW dealer to inspect the car and
quote for changing the tappets on that side. Then
knock a chunk off the asking price which is a bit high.
£4000 would be a lot better!

Mine (1996 P) was £3700 with mega miles but a
BMW engine swap - early M62's until late 1997 still
had Nikasil.

how about this?  an e34 m5 touring on www.autotrader.co.uk, lovely colour

Edited by stephenperry

She certainly looks the part and I'm happy to get a touring although I'm not sure I can stretch to an M5 insurance and service bills wise. Also I don't fancy a left hooker (although I do admit, this would be worth the change)!